Informed forced-induction aficionados
know that
an exhaust-driven supercharger first appeared on the Corvair as a
regular production option midway
through the 1962 model year. Chevrolet called it a turbo-charger, and
made it available only on
Monza-series cars as the central component
of
the impressively sporty Monza Spyder option package. It was an instant hit with
enthusiasts.

By 1965, the
turbo-charged Corvair engine was well proven, and had grown from a
displacement of 145 to 164 cubic inches (2.7 liters). Rated
horsepower had increased from 150 to 180 horsepower. The beefed up
engine was offered on only one late model Corvair, the newly
released top-of-the-line Corsa. This is the story of one
such Corsa, its proud history, and its restoration by a current day
Corvair lover.

When Marcel
found his 4-wheeled sweetheart, she was severely neglected; paint
blistering, engine not running, gear box broken, interior torn up,
tires flat. She was sad and lonely, but her prince had arrived.

Angelita is a
Corvair?

Angelita was so-named by Manuela, her
new owner's main
squeeze. Manuela couldn't help but notice when her husband, Marcel,
began spending more and more hours with his new-found love, his turbo-charged Corvair. This
was not a problem, because Manuela is supportive of Marcel's hobby and shares his enthusiasm
for and
appreciation of this fine rear engine example of automotive history.

Angelita's Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN) reveals her to be a 1965 Corsa 2-door coupe, the
120,047th Corvair built that year at the Willow Run General Motors
assembly plant, near Detroit, Michigan. Unlike her many thousands of
siblings, she was not destined for the streets and highways of
America. She soon found herself on the high seas of
the North Atlantic, sailing toward endless adventure in the Alpine splendor of storybook
Switzerland.

The newly minted Corvair was
imported by GM Switzerland in Biel. At the time, they were
working with a specialist in steel sunroofs, and had one
installed on the Corsa before it was delivered to its first
owner, Werner Wihler, on the 1st of May, 1965. Later, it changed
hands and was kept for about 10 years by a Mr. Kreuzwirth before
he passed it on to his son, Peter, who owned it for about 15
years. After Peter, the turbo-coupe became the property of
local television personality Philip Stirnemann, star of Game
City on Star TV. Shortly thereafter, Lady Angelita lost her
luster and languished in the wings until she was rediscovered.

The picture at the right shows
Angelita's sunroof in its pre-restoration state. Below,
a photo of the restored car lets us see how slickly the sunroof
blends into the car's otherwise stock-appearing roof contour.

The restored Angelita is undeniably beautiful.
Her body panels are meticulously fitted, and her dark, custom
blended, metallic green paint gleams. Her long, lean
Swiss license plate accentuates her cat-like
stance. She stands perfectly poised and sure footed on
larger-than-stock 14-inch alloy wheels and
Yokohama tires, 225/60R14 at the front, and 245/60R14 at the rear.
Not readily noticeable is the subtle
modification of the inner lip of the front wheel arches necessary
for proper tire clearance.

In other restoration pictures to come, we'll
examine some other non-stock touches including an adjustable driver's
seat back, headrests, and some locally required lighting changes.
Note the turn signals are clear, not amber, as required on Corvairs
delivered within the United States and Canada.